Phyllis Darlene Borchardt, age 83, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away at her home on December 15, 2025.

Born on August 31, 1942, in McLeod County, Minnesota, Phyllis was the daughter of Elmer and Winnifred (Everson) Borchardt. She grew up on the family farm in rural Meeker County, attended country school in District 75, and graduated with the Litchfield High School Class of 1960.

Phyllis enjoyed a long and accomplished career in the hospitality industry. She began with Radisson Hotels in Minneapolis and later advanced to Renovations Manager for Omni Hotels. Her work took her across the country—through the Carolinas, Detroit, St. Louis, Orlando, Scottsdale, and San Diego—places she embraced with curiosity and enthusiasm. Deeply rooted in faith and community, she was active in WELCA and participated in numerous regional and national conventions.

While living in San Diego, Phyllis met the love of her life, Larry Fetkenhauer. They were married in Laughlin, Nevada, on March 23, 2002, beginning a joyful partnership filled with companionship and adventure. They later moved to Buckeye, Arizona, before settling into their forever home in Surprise.

Phyllis lived with a remarkable zest for life. She and Larry shared a passion for travel, creating treasured memories on special trips to Europe and Egypt. She held a lifelong love for the ocean and cherished her years in San Diego. Even after making Arizona her home, she remained devoted to her Minnesota roots—proud of her upbringing as a farmer’s daughter and forever loyal to the Minnesota Vikings.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Larry; her brothers Darrel (Carol) Borchardt of Winthrop, Minnesota, and Lyall (Carol) Borchardt of Buffalo, Minnesota; her sisters Karen Burke of Tyler, Texas, and Dianne (Pat) Mitchell of Litchfield, Minnesota. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including her godson Kelly Borchardt of Dassel, Minnesota, and goddaughter Stephanie Mitchell of Champlin, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Winnifred Borchardt; her nephew Michael Burke; and several aunts, uncles, and beloved cousins.

A memorial service celebrating Phyllis’s life will be held in the spring of 2026 at the home of her nephew and godson, Kelly Borchardt, in Dassel, Minnesota. In keeping with her wishes, her ashes will be lovingly scattered along the San Diego coast she held so dear.

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